How to Register a Trademark in the UK

Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. It represents your business’s reputation, trustworthiness, and recognition in the market. Registering a trademark gives you the legal right to protect that brand against misuse and in the UK, the process is more straightforward than many think.

This guide explains how to register a trademark in the UK, from initial checks to official registration, and why it’s a step no serious business owner should skip.

What Is a Trademark?

A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing your goods or services from those of other businesses. This could include:

• Your business name
• A logo
• A slogan
• A distinctive product name or packaging design

In the UK, trademarks are registered with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and can be renewed every 10 years.

Why Register a Trademark?

Registering a trademark provides:

• Exclusive legal rights to use your brand in your registered classes
• The ability to take legal action against infringement
• Increased business value trademarks can be sold, licensed, or used as security for loans
• Greater trust with customers, partners, and investors

Without registration, you may only have limited protection through unregistered trademark rights (passing off), which can be harder and more expensive to enforce.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Trademark in the UK

1. Check if your trademark is eligible

Your trademark must be distinctive, not misleading, and not too similar to existing trademarks. You generally can’t register:

• Generic or descriptive terms (e.g. “Best Coffee Shop”)
• Offensive words or imagery
• Flags, emblems, or official symbols without permission

Full guidance: IPO Trademark Rules

2. Search the trademark database

Before applying, search the IPO Trademark Search to ensure your proposed mark isn’t already registered or too similar to another. This reduces the risk of objections or legal disputes.

3. Identify the correct classes

Trademarks are registered in one or more of 45 “classes” that group goods and services. For example:

• Class 25: Clothing, footwear, headgear
• Class 35: Advertising and business management services
• Class 43: Restaurants and catering services

The full list is available here: Trademark Classes List

Tip: Choose your classes carefully. You can only enforce your trademark rights in the classes where it is registered.

4. File your application

You can apply online via the IPO trademark application service. The standard fee starts at £170 for one class, plus £50 for each additional class.

You’ll need to provide:

• The trademark itself (name, logo, or design)
• The classes you’re registering in
• The goods/services description
• Applicant details (individual or company)

5. IPO examination and publication

The IPO examines your application for compliance and similarity to existing marks. If there are no issues, your trademark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for 2 months, during which third parties can oppose it.

6. Registration

If no opposition is filed (or any opposition is resolved in your favour), your trademark is registered and you receive a registration certificate. Protection lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.